Colm Burke (Cork North Central, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

204. To ask the Minister for Rural and Community Development the status of an organisation’s application (details supplied) to Pobal for funding for an additional full-time worker; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [9425/24]

Joe O'Brien (Dublin Fingal, Green Party)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

My Department's Community Services Programme (CSP) supports over 430 community-based organisations, to provide local services through a social enterprise model. CSP provides an annual co-funding contribution towards each full-time equivalent (FTE) position being supported, and, where warranted, towards the cost of employing a manager.

An application window for funding additional staff posts for existing CSP funded organisations was opened on September 1^st 2023 with a closing date of 29^th September 2023.

Pobal, who manage and administer the programme on behalf of my Department, received a huge volume of applications from CSP supported organisations under this call for applications.

Pobal undertook an assessment of all applications received, with their recommendations submitted to my Department in recent days. I can confirm that the organisation in question did submit an application for additional supports. Due to the volume of applications received, it is anticipated that my Department's assessment process may take a number of weeks, following which notifications will issue to all organisations.

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
Link to this: Individually | In context | Oireachtas source

The provision of library services, including the provision of library buildings, is primarily a matter for local authorities in their capacity as library authorities under the Local Government Act 2001. Accordingly, the delivery of library services in Mayfield is primarily a matter for Cork City Council.

I am advised that the extension and refurbishment of the Frank O’Connor Library, Mayfield, incorporating St Joseph’s Community Centre, is a priority project for Cork City Council. The library element of the project is currently being progressed through my Department’s Four Stage Capital Management Process. This ensures that the library complies with my Department's Public Library National Standards and Benchmarks which guide the development of the public library service. My Department issued Stage 2 approval for the Mayfield Library project on the 27th October 2022. It is also understood that the City Council expect to procure external design team consultants to prepare the pre-tender documentation, which will inform the Stage 3 application to my Department.

In April of last year, my Department invited all Local Authorities to submit proposals for the development of public library infrastructure, facilities and mobile library vehicles under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027. My Department has assessed all proposals received. I look forward to shortly announcing details on the projects that will be approved for funding under the Libraries Capital Programme 2023-2027.